Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

How do you keep up the energy and motivation?

Some days, I am just not feeling it, like today.

Yesterday I had one of my best days. I didn't even question working out, I was excited and motivated and I did my best run and I worked out for longer than usual. I thought that might even transfer over to today and would make me more motivated to continue today.

I don't want to get out of bed... I feel tired and my body and mind are telling me not to exercise- even though I should. I feel like everything hurts even though it is more mental, although I really am having weird eye strain... but I know its excuses.

Any tips or advice?

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I think its okay to take a day off. You had a great workout yesterday. Just commit another day that would make up today.

Either that or just get dressed and tell yourself youre only going to run for 20 minutes. When you get there you'll most likely do more and if not at least you made it

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I don't exercise 5 to 7 days a week but I often feel exactly like what you described. I remind myself that the hardest part of going to the gym or to exercise is physically getting there. Once you get started you always feel so great! I'll get myself there and then tell myself all you have to do is 15 mins or 1 mile or whatever and usually, I end up doing the full workout.

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I find it very hard to keep myself from working out 7 days a week! I've been trying to stay at 5 days because my body needs to recover.

I absolutely love going to the gym and working out, so if I'm having a day where I have no interest in it- I know it means my body (and mind) are telling me to take a day. When my mind isn't in the workout, I just dont feel like I'm doing what I should.

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I workout 5 days a week. I usually go 3 days in a row and then take off a day. Once I get to the gym, I am fine. I could never work out at home though as I would always put it off.

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I don't do everyday - but I fall in the 5-6 day a week category.

There are days I take off - I have learned that is as important as working out.

but on low energy days - I have asked for advice on here as well for that - I go for the coffee

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

Now that I am use to going 6-7 days a week I don't have that happen to me too often but getting to this point was not easy. I started off working out 3 times a week for about 20 minutes. And then I slowly starting increasing how long I work out for and then started adding in a day here and there. Before I knew it I was up to 6-7 days a week, working out 20-60 minutes each time.

I have a trainer 2 days a week which is a guaranteed 30 minute work out. 3 days a week I promise myself to do 20 minutes of cardio or weights. 1 day is at least 40 minutes. On the days where I'm finding it hard to justify the time I tell myself even if you only go for 20 minutes that's better then sitting on the couch. And I know that I am going to feel soooooo much better after I go.

So I guess my advice to you is don't try to commit to too many days a week for too long. Set up a schedule that works for you and if you can't get in a 45 minute work out one day then just go for 20 minutes. Chances are once you are there you'll do more then you thought. And if not then it's still better then doing nothing.

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I run 6 days a week and just make it part of my schedule. Not going to the gym is like not going to work for me - whether I want to go or not - I am there.

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

i am doing the insanity workout at home 6 days a week.

i am having a very hard time with motivation.
but i find that doing it at 7:30pm helps me. so when i wake up i don't have to worry about it to way later.
and then when the time comes i just do it.
and my husband pushes me too., that helps

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I always do 5 days a week. I take a break usually mid-week and on saturday. Sunday night back to the gym..

For ME it's just a way to remove myself from being home with kids all day. It's mentally relaxing, and even on days where I don't want to work out, i make myself drive to the gym and if i'm not in the mood to run, i'll do a good walk at a steep incline.

I tell myself how good i feel when its over..that is what keeps me motivated. I love the way I feel when i'm working out a lot, its just some days are harder than others to gear up for it! I can relate!!

Re: Those who exercise 5-7 days a week...

I keep my matt and weights out in the den by the tv so when I sit down to relax they are there staring at me making me feel guilty